Easter 2016

      We kicked off our Easter celebration at Mary's Chapel annual Resurrection Celebration. The kids hunted eggs, painted crosses, dyed eggs, planted flowers, and painted stones. It was a lot of fun.

      Then we headed to Liz and Brandon's house for our annual cousin Easter Egg Hunt. We went overboard and they had TONS of eggs to hunt, but they had a blast. Kaden got a new swingset that the kids broke in, and then we went to Los Portales for a delicious dinner. It was a perfect day.

     Sunday morning, we attended the Easter services at church. I love Easter. I will never get over the fact that Jesus chose to come to this Earth to die for my sins. There is no greater love.

     After church, we changed and headed to the FOP building to have Easter lunch with family. We ate, the kids hunted eggs and played, the adults played pool, and everyone enjoyed spending time together.

     Easter is my favorite holiday. Not because of eggs or candy, but because of the love of our Savior. There is no better way to celebrate his sacrifice than to spend times with those we love.

Spring Break 2016

     We started Spring Break off right! Friday was Egg Hunt day at our school and at Payton's daycare. The kids had a blast collecting Easter Eggs with all of their friends at school. Then Friday night we celebrated the start of Spring Break by eating dinner at my favorite place: Kissell's Kitchen. They have the best barbecue. It is so good!

     Saturday we celebrated Liz's birthday with a family trip to Jackson. We went to lunch at Chili's, then Brandon and Ryan took Kaden, Rylee, and Payton to the park while Liz, Levi, and I did a little shopping. Afterwards we all met back up at ChuckECheese. It was a blast!

    Sunday was the first official day of Spring, but it sure didn't feel like it. The sun was out, but we had flurries off and on most of the day. Brrrr.

      Monday the girls and I stayed home and relaxed. We decorated Easter cookies, cleaned the house a bit, and played together. It was great.

    Tuesday, I took the girls for haircuts. It was Payton Joy's first haircut. She did really well. Afterwards I took them to Olympic for lunch. It was a perfect girls day.

     Wednesday we went to the park with Liz, Kaden, and Levi. It was cool, so we didn't stay at the park very long.

    After the park, we went to Liz's house to play inside for a while. Then somehow Rylee convinced me to have a sleepover at Kaden's house. It hurt my heart to have her spend the night away, but she had an absolute blast. I'm proud of her for staying. She's attempted sleepovers in the past, but always ended up wanting to come home before the night was over.

    Yesterday, Payton and I did a little grocery shopping, then went to pick up Rylee. When we got home, we painted sun catchers to hang on our front window. Oh, how I love being able to spend my days with these 2 girls. I wish Spring Break didn't have to end!

A Sick St. Patrick's Day

       Yesterday, Rylee came to me at lunch crying. She hadn't eaten a thing and was complaining her throat and head hurt. I took her to the nurse who said her throat was red and had some puss in it, and her temp was at 99.7, not quite a fever yet but close enough that it looked like that was where it was heading. So I took and "early out" and took her to urgent care to figure out what was going on. They did a strep test (negative) and then a flu test (positive). I couldn't believe it. She had the flu in January. How was this possible?! But the doctor did assure us since she had her nasal mist this year AND had already contracted the flu once this year, that this round should be easier on her...

    So far, so good. Her temperature never did go up and higher, but we did spend today at home to rest up just in case it decided to spike. Payton enjoyed a free day at home with mama and sissy, and Rylee got the rest she needed. As long as no temp spikes during the night, we can go to school tomorrow! I'm so excited we won't have to miss egg hunt day. It was sad enough to miss St. Patrick's day and the leprechaun's visit...

Our First Cookout of 2016

      Today we had our first cookout of 2016. The weather was warm and sunny, and I was thrilled to see some sunshine. Levi was feeling a little under the weather, so Liz and Brandon dropped Kaden off early this afternoon and took Levi to an Urgent Care. Ryles and Kade were thrilled to have some extra play time.

     Then Mary, Chuck, and Bailey showed up and the fun was multiplied. The kids had an absolute blast playing while the men cooked. Then we all enjoyed delicious hamburgers and hotdogs from the grill. It doesn't take an expensive dinner to make me happy. Nothing beats burgers on the grill.

    I am thankful for this beautiful weather and a perfect day with family. I'm hoping this is just the first of many cookouts this year.